Tamil Nadu To ban Use Of plastic Items From 2019.

“Since plastic is non- biodegradable it is not easy to damage”.

The Tamil Nadu Government reported  on Tuesday it would ban the use of plastic products , including non-biodegradable carry bags from January 2019 to gift a plastic free state to future generations.Chief Minister K. Palaniswami’s announcement in the state assembly coineided with International environment day. The ban on manufacture, sale repository  and usage of items such as plastic paper, cups, water sachets, straws and carry bags would come into effect from January 1, 2019. The ban would mask  these plastic articles irrespective of their micron size. The chief minister says polythene sachets used for packing milk, curd , oil and medical equipment would be exempted from the ban.

“Due to pollution of air, Water and land, plastic becomes destructive for Human Life”.

The PMK statement says this is not the first time the State Government was banning disposable plastic, recalling that late Jayalalithaa had made a similar attempt in 2002 as chief Minister then Palaniswami said former Chief minister Jayalalithaa had earlier establish an expert panel to go into the issue of banning plastic products . That board had implied banning disposable plastic items , including bags, plates and Cups and recommended that traditional items such as plantain leaves and plates made of palm leaves.

The Chief minister said non- biodegradable plastic crop , mainly polythene covers affect the environment impeding water flow. When such disposable plastic items remain on the soil,it blocks  water flow to water bodies,resulting in Stagnation. It also affects the flow of sewage. Further ,it prevents flow of rain water into the soil, thus poignant the increase in underground water. The Chief minister says when  rainwater stagnates in strewn plastic waste, it results in breeding of dengue and malaria causing mosquitoes.

He says while such waste contributed towards flooding, it has also affected soil quality. Its burning also causes problems adding that plastic products afford to various forms of pollution air , land and Water. The Chief minister says cattle feeding on such waste face the danger of death. Therefore,completely evade  them is the need of the hour. Considering the damage caused by plastic, and to ensure this is not left behind for future generation the Amma Government has decided to ban non- biodegradable plastic covers, plates, cups, water packets, straws and bags. similarly, with the co-operation and contribution of all, let us gift a plastic free Tamil Nadu for the future generations of the state.

“Ban plastics for a better Future”.

“Stop Pollution is the only solution”.

P.P.Neelayathakshi